Man dies of wounds sustained in Qassam strike on Sderot

Israeli's live fine desert. Have farms that grow flowers, vegetabls. The trick is knowing how to IRRIGATE the land. The heat and water make things grow fast. It's possible to raise 3 and 4 crops a year on the same piece of land. As a matter of fact, Israel exports it's technology and equipment throughout Africa & Asia and have been doing so for years. Bedouin have lived there for years, raising their families & sheep, you get used to it. The cities & towns have a/c for comfort.

Today's news, luckily the Kassam landed BEFORE the students arrived. Were these students in the process of throwing Molotov cocktails or Launching rockets?

I received an honorable discharge and miluim papers from TZAHAL, what did they give you? With your hate of Israel you might want to commit hari-kari to atone for your alleged service.

John, actually take the trouble to go to HRW web site and READ the reports before rejecting them. The IDF were *shelling* the beach, so some people were sheltering behind cars. "Please provide a reliable source." http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/06/13/isrlpa13544_txt.htm "Shrapnel from the blast also pierced a nearby car where Hani Radwan Azanin?s daughters Nagham, 4, and Dima, 7, were hiding. They suffered serious injuries to their backs and arms. Human Rights Watch visited the car and found multiple shrapnel holes and a piece of shrapnel." They have the car. They have the shrapnel holes. They have the people. They have the wounds. They have the shrapnel. What do you have?

Sources: People should read websites associated with Honestreporting (Media Backspin). I understand that these sources are not the likes of Amnesty International, ISM, Human Right Watch and the UN. But, then they don't have their track record either. You refer to people looking at something and declaring it to be from an Israeli shell. Come on, do you really believe that anyone has microscopic vision to analyze the physical makeup of a scrap of metal. It takes the FBI and CIA weeks to trace things. But, it takes HRW a moment. These people are down right liars. And, using them as your source make you no better then they are. Plus, what kind of hog-wash do you mean by: People sitting inside their cars. Who drives a car onto a beach for a swim? Good try to blame some of the "shrapnel *won?t* be from the artillery shell, but from objects that were blown apart by the explosion?" Please provide a ?reliable? source.

Nothing else will work. NO MORE LAND FOR PEACE UNTIL THEY BEG FOR PEACE.

Israel still provides free electricity to Palestinians, which they use to manufacture rockets. Israel still lets taxis full of bombs into Israel. As far as I can see, Israel is not fighting its enemy but trying to placate it. Israel is losing billions in investment dollars cause it is seen as unstable. Either respect and fight your enemy hard, or give up. The middle road is the losing road.

I think Israel should behave in the same way. Hamas,stop the attacks or evacuate Gaza.

How are you proposing to empty Gaza, David? Have you got the cattle trucks lined up?

The clear message we should send out is as follows - a unilateral cease fire for two weeks - following which any firing of missiles will be seen as a declaration of war and one of the consequences of war will be that Beit Hanoun will enter the history books as smoewhere where people used to live If they want to evacuate beit hanoun that is there option

Go to those two HRW reports I listed earlier and have a read; the bomb crater - and the wounds - are not consistant with any mine used by either side. But very consistant with an air-burst artillery shell. Then go to these articles: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,251-2230076,00.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1799825,00.html It was gunfire from an Israeli gunboat. The reason why the shrapnell is discounted as being from an Israeli shell is because they are saying it wasn't from a 155mm howitzer. True - but beside the point - they aren't fitted to Israeli gunboats.

Just read your own posts. A few hundred on the beach?

The scientifically valid survey that backs up your assertion. No obfuscations please.You made a statement back it up if you have the information. If you do not have a valid study proving your assertion then you are just another cheap propogandist spinning for the Arabs. P.S. Most likely an Israeli mine your evidence for that.?

Not difficult to see why - HRW refuses to play the "moral equivalence" game, much to the annoyance of both sides in these conflicts. "And, rarely uncovers any war crimes relating to the Arabs" - very untrue. Go to their web site and look. They condemn Hamas qassam fire. They condemned Hezbo rocket fire, *and* their being packed with ball-bearing, *and* their use of cluster bomb rockets. HRW *broke* the story about the ball-bearings. What you don't like is that HRW don't accept the excuse "but, but, they did it first!". They don't accept that excuse from Israel, nor from Hamas. They didn't accept it from Hezbo. As I said - go read their reports. They explain their methods. They name the people they interviewed. They name who did the interviewing. Then go to the IDF web site and look at their "reports". Oh, yeah, sorry, they don't publish them. You have to take *them* on trust.

Hamas is targeting civilians and Israel says nothing. In the speech to the UN assembly the Palestinian observer stated that the UN security silence was helping Israel. In fact he was projecting his own fear that the world may condemn the palestinians for war crime and human right abuses for the Hamas actions

its spelled 'Gandhi'. but anyways. u say Israel is an apartheid state and thats wrong. just wanted to know whether u had problem with the 'islamic' states. say saudi?

Which is a pity, because I did. Care to tell me where you came across this information that Israeli doctors removed shrapnel? Considering that some of the wounded were sitting inside cars when they were hit has it ever occurred to you that some of the shrapnel *won't* be from the artillery shell, but from objects that were blown apart by the explosion? But some of the shrapnel was most definitely from an artillery shell.

It has been documented throughout the intifadas that as soon as the Pals stop shooting, the IDF/IAF perform a new operation to assacinate, prevent, or sweep for militants, etc... The logical lessons from this are: 1. Israeli policy is to prevent peace at all cost (a la Sharon in the second intifada to kill Oslo) 2. The Pals are incapable of reasoning beyond their emotions. They should realize by now that Israel will not be deterred by the primitive rockets (firecrackers) they call the Qassams.

Let's look at the facts of life, that has been established in the past 3 to 4 years. The Geneva convention rulles are irrelevant. They were not established with a war against terrorism in mind. Terrorists are no different than the civilians around them and as long as the local population agrees with their actions they're all one - "the enemy". Women and Children are used at will as cover to terrorists. It's time that Israel will stop worrying so much about "the world" and do what it needs to do. For cry out loud, "being a humaniterian", now days is equale to being stupid.When there wives and children will be in harms way - Hamas will stop the shooting!

You praise the Moderate Palestinian; however, did you analyze what he actually said? Israel must withdraw from Gaza Strip - Why first, when Hamas continues to fire rockets? Qassams must end - Good Shailt must go free - Good jailed Palestinians must go free - These people have blood on their hands. Those are the ones being demanded first. At least wait for full peace. Abbas and Olmert must meet for peace talks - Good, but what is Abbas bringing to the table? TWO STATES MUST BE FORMED ISRAEL AND PALESTINE WITH JERUSALEM OPEN CITY AND WITH PEACE. - There is already two states. Just look at the original history of Jordan. 78% of Palestinian was given as an Arab section. It was given the name TransJordan (AKA Jordan). However, the Arabs want to strip tiny Israel down to indefensible size. This is justice? If Jeruslem is open then why not Medina. Jerusalem is the Holiest place for Jews why shouldn't it belong to Jews?

why not give the town fathers of Sderot old artillery pieces and allow them to return "counter-battery" fire in self defense.It would not be official Israeli policy , just a local response.

I am very pleased, that finally I am reading a response that is worthwhile responding to. Please go forth in your world with this attitude and like Dr. Allan said, your people needs people like you in the leadership. Like you,the Israelis are beautiful people aswell and most of you want to live in peace and harmony. God bless you

I sense another invasion of Gaza. Another 50 dead Palestinians. Shooting in the air to celebrate their martydom. More Qassams. Amother invasion, More shooting in the air, more Qassams, another invasion, another 35 dead Palestinians, another dead Israeli. Please wake me up when the big invasion begins so I can watch it on CNN. Hmmm. Palestinians govt. workers have not been paid since April. What an excellent example of nation building. What a bloody bunch of brainless morons.

Yaakov Yaakobov is a "settler". There is no settlers in Sderot. Sderot is not disputable Israeli Land. I reproduce here the outrageous posting: "...Settler Killed Name: David City: Arlington State: VA One more war criminal killed. Next time, tell you government not to steal land that is not theirs and maybe this will not happen. You can blame the zionist for this. ..." HAARETZ: you should read what you publish!

or they have to resign. Israel is sufficiently strong to transform GAZA into the LAND of STONE AGE without population. TERRORISTS, their protectors and their admirers have no right to be neighbours of the STATE of ISRAEL. OD LO AVDA TIKVATENU. Our hope is not lost yet. Buona fortuna. Saluti. Vittorio

Israel to Hamas--- yes you must stop the rocket attacks on Israeli civilians or the Palestinians will have to evacuate the entire Gaza cesspool......... which you caused!!!

Had Louise been hit perhaps the UN would view these rockets with different eyes.

We should be telling the arabs the same. STOP THE ATTACKS - OR MOVE BACK TO YOUR HOME COUNTRIES - OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR MURDEROUS ACTIONS

Oops! I forgot - That only applies when it's PAL civilians getting killed.

WOW, I have tried to suggest that approach three or four times in the last year and it never got posted. As long as it is the same type, with the better anti-Qassam methods and better quality production in Israel, it would have been stopped very quickly since the Pals main weapon (UN and human rights unproportionate response issue)in theory should have been silenced. At the least I would have liked to see the morons at UN response to it.

As a matter of fact I have.

Abu Obayed warned Israel to either call off military strikes or "empty Sderot of its residents. What wouyld be the world's reaction if an Israeli spokesman were to announce: "either call off military strikes or "empty Gsaza of its residents" ? ... and why not announce precisely that: "Stop shooting Quassams... or be responsible for the consequences" Henryk

hamas warns Israel to empty Sderot...There is only one solution...Israel has to empty the Gaza Strip,make it in a waste land...No sovereing Nation can allow itself to be harassed in this way by a swarm of murderous rats...women protecting them as human shields or not,Israel has to wipe them out.Otherwise,today is Sderot,tomorrow Tel-Aviv

We fought to the rules of the time, there were no rules concerning civilians. There is now, thenk GOD Nevre put what we did in World War 2 in respect to what the IDF do now. We were fighting evil on an unimaginable scale The IDF is fighting to pay the wages curtesy of the USofA. Big difference

Why has Israeli blood come so cheap? I live in Sderot and I am a proud Israeli but am starting to think no one cares about us, we are getting bombed left and right and nothing is done. THERE MUST BE ACTION because the people of Sderot are getting really close to packining up and leaving with a country who leaves them in the dark.

How about Israel tells Hamas that if does not stop its attacks, and if it fails to free Gilead Shalit, that Israel will empty Gaza.

Mike you make a lot of sense. But, you might have it backwards. It has been the Arabs that for hundreds of years have been slaughtering other people. Look at early American history as it relates to Libya. For almost 100 years the Arabs have been killing Jews. The effect has been that in Israel Jews have defended themselves. So if you want to stop the cause and effect then all you need do is get the Arabs to stop and I bet you that Israel will stop too.

Fortunately, the rules have changed. Today England could not do this. Only Israel can get away with it, if taken in small steps. The reason, it is the slogan "Never Forget" that helps prevent genocide in todays world. Thank you to the jews for that. Now live by it yourselves.

Using reports from Human Rights Watch is like calling Gold, junk. HRW has never seen anything Israel does as right. And, rarely uncovers any war crimes relating to the Arabs. They scream about civilians casulties, but fail to mention that Hezbollah shelled Israel towns from these sites. Did they mention that the Arab shells contained ball-bearing? If they are into human rights why not say something about slavery? Do you know that the biggest dealers in human slaves are Arabs?

My goodness. The facts are that several of the injured people were transported to Israeli hospitals. It was noted that they had new wounds. The Doctors realized that these wounds were to remove the shrapnel. Generally this is not done. Of course, if you are hiding something... In spite of their efforts the Israeli Doctors did find some fragments and these pieces of metal were sent for analysis. Well, guess what; they did not match the Israeli shells. Personally, I think physical evidence is superior to any other scenarios. Of course, these reports you ignore.

I'm not joking, both sides are weak and can't finish the other one off. I mean come on 60 years of modern warfare? Isn't there a virus that can be let loose and take care of everyone in the area so the world can focus on other things? And let me make it clear I don't want 1 side or the other to win I want both sides to lose. I've been to Israel and the Mideast and the world wouldn't be losing much, or at least to losing it is worth it if we can stop hearing about your crappy backyard fight. I'm not Anti-Jewish or Anti-Arab I'm just against the focus of the world being on such garbage mentalities that control the power over there. You want peace? Please do yourselves in once and for all, that would be a true gift from Yahweh/Allah.

The Israelis should begin to manufacture its own copy of the qassam,inaccuracy and all,stockpile a few hundred thousand, and give the palestinian factions a fair and clear warning, that for every qassam fired into Israeli territory, 500 will be fired back in return.If any Palestinian civilians are killed, the world body cannot complain that excessive force or superior firepower was used. Then we will see if the Palestinians have the public support to continue their offensive against the so called "Occupation" if the occupiers are using the same weaponry with the same intended results that they have.

Your point of view is idealistic. Of course we all want all of this to happen. But with current Israeli, Palestinian and American leadership, this is all just impossible. It took Ireland 400 years to figure out a peace plan and sit down with England for negotiations. We only have 50 years of Israel's existance... 350 more to go. As sadly as it may sound, any future settlement's prospects are dim at best. First step that we need to take, as Israelis, is to stop thinking that all Palestinians want is to drive us into the sea with suicide bombs, and first thing YOU have to understand that all that we want is peace. We here are not a bunch of racist arab-haters like Americans.

...that makes sense, STOP SLAUGHTERING THEM...AND they will stop killing you,HUMMMMM sounds like CAUSES & EFFECT, you play with fire youll get BURNED.

Too bad UN Louise Arbour was not in the line of fire. Maybe it would have knocked some sense into her.

"RESPONSE SHOULD BE STRONG AND HARD." Can't you see? This is what Israel has been doing all along since 1990, and it is not working. Finally, the Plestinians are perfecting the Qassams, and that means more trouble for Israel. Remember that the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation were mostly passive and non-hostile for over 20 years (1967-1990). And what did they get in return? Expanded settlements on stolen land! Quit hiding your head in the sand. The balance of power is shifting, and Israel's only option now is to "live and let live," with dignity for all, I must add.

Land didn't belong to PAL's. They're squatting on land conquered by virtue of wars they declared on Israel. Let me explain so that you'll understand. Arabs attacked 4 times, 1948,1956,1967, 1973. They lost each time. When making war you take a chance of winning or losing. If losing, then you lose territory that was fought over along with lives of some of the combatants. Arabs lost - bye, bye land. Understand? If they continue to Kassam Israel, Israel will retake some of the land they charitably gave the PA

Hi Johnboy, after all I have heard about this case, the most likely reason for the tragedy was an unexploded Israeli mine. The problem is, for David Teich and other Israeli right wingers here on the forum, it doesn't matter at all, what the reason was, they regard Arab (Palestinian) life as cheap life, not worth of too much attention... Just read a few posts of Fox and you will see people like him and David Teich as a mirror of the Israeli "silent majority" of today.

"One more war criminal killed. Next time, tell you government not to steal land that is not theirs and maybe this will not happen. You can blame the zionist for this." The above talkback is displayed here probably because Haarez is for freedom of speech. But when I comment on such people as Amira Hess or Gidon Levi, my comment is ignored. I wonder why!!!

Marilyn, it's you that shames Australia with your lies. If you'll refer to the following, via GOOGLE "HEZBOLLAH AND IT'S HUMAN SHIELDS", you'll find quite a few facts concerning their use by Hezbollah. In particular an article in the Washington Times..Stop the fibbing.HERES THE LINK http://www.washtimes.com/op- ed/20060730-093558-9976r.htm I think you stay up all night, along with Maureen fabricating your nonsense and vicous lies. Two phonies slapping each others backs.

....let israel take the high moral ground and kill a hundred or so of their woman and children while they are sleeping or picnicking on the Gaza prison beach, HOW DARE THEY FIGHT BACK.

..that the IDF killed those people on that Gaza Beach. He wants "proof". Well, "proof" is hard to come by, considering so many of the eyewitnesses are dead. But there is evidence, ALL of which points to it being IDF artillery. The IDF defense is based totally around a insistance that there is a LACK of evidence, and a very bogus timeline of events that is maintained ONLY by the IDF. Evidence? http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/06/13/isrlpal13544_txt.htm and http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/06/15/isrlpal13570_txt.htm The most telling *evidence* against "old ordinance" is the fact that all the wounds are upper-body. Not lower torso. Care to explain how buried ordinance (old bombs or mines) can inflict upper-body wounds but not lower-torso wounds? An air-burst shell will, buried ordinance will not.

Consider this, the Israelies should take back ALL of Gaza, because when Israel gave up land, businesses and homes for peace, all they got in return was more terror! The Palies choose to continue attacking Israel instead of DOING WHAT was required of them them.NO PEACE will ever come when all the Palies do is speak of hate and terrror! The Palies VOIDED their part of the DEAL! Israel needs to REPOSSESS the land it gave for the sake of peace. The Palies reneged on their part,and still continue to do so! The Islamos NEVER had ANY PLANS for peace,ONLY another place to reek their RADICAL Islamic plans to destroy Israel, then the rest of the world! THIS IS WAR! TAKE off the white gloves NOW and do what needs to get done to STOP these radical islamics!

This is a war among belligerents. The only people under Israel's authority are the citizens of Israel. The only laws Israel is required to uphold are the Geneva Conventions. War, Madame, is a two way street. This war happens to be among Israel on one side, and various proxies, and states on the other side. Please understand that on the other side, the proxies are supported by known violators of all international norms, including Iran and Syria. Please understand, Madame, that this is not a minor skirmish, but a simmering war.

- The High Commissioner said from Sderot : "The reason is that they are not accurate (Qassam rockets) and those launching them cannot make a distinction between combatants and non-combatants" But I don't think they try to shoot at combatants, just listen them : - Abu Obayed warned Israel to either call off military strikes or "empty Sderot of its residents." They just want to kill Jews, any Jews.

One more war criminal killed. Next time, tell you government not to steal land that is not theirs and maybe this will not happen. You can blame the zionist for this.

RESPONSE SHOULD BE STRONG AND HARD. Soldiers have to do their job properly. Arabs don't see civilians among Israelis ( Yaakov Yaakobovich was a civilian). Shell them, bomb them, shoot them. After FIRM RESPONSE GAZANS will stop QASSAMS. If Halutz and Pepetz want to become diplomats, let them to be diplomats. But they should resign their military positions. Israel Army can protect Israelis. Israel Army should protect Israelis. So, protect IMMEDIATELY, STRONGLY, FIRMLY. Israelis and friends of Israel expect a HARD RESPONSE. No WARNINGS please. No double standards. WAR is equally dangerous for each side. This WAR was a choice of PALS. They should learn a lesson (create them a stone age like you created it for NASRALLAH-HIZBOLLAH) Any country has a right to retaliate. Israel has this right too.

Israel "has a responsibility to defend its citizens, but has to do so only by legal means," Arbour said. "It has to do so in line with international law, including international humanitarian law, but it has a primary responsibility to protect people who are under its authorities." This is equivalent of the call demanding marching right & left simultaneously. Knowing the routine for quite a while, to me the puzzling thing is not the wording of the `blind & deaf` high moral values `rubberstamping`. I also give benefit of the doubt the Israeli `piñata` is not of malicious intend only, it is also long established ME `safe button` when pushing buttons badly required. Besides if they tried to `push the radical Islam button`, the understanding is nothing but angry flood will occur. What puzzles me is the straight faced attempt of `pushing Israeli button` over & over, even under `the must` concept, when everyone knows why & how routine works, & how old & tired the charade is.

Does anyone deny that Arabs started firing the rocket first? Does anyone deny that the Arabs kidnapped a solder? So does it not make sense that the Arabs should first release the solder and stop firing rockets? For many the answer seems to be, no. Is that because Israel is stronger? Is that because Israel is always wrong? Or is it because anyone seriously believes that the Arabs will actually stop? The real purpose is to tie Israel?s hands while supporting Arab actions to destroy Israel As they say the ends justify the means. If the plan is to wipe the world clean of Israel then allow the Arabs to kill and plunder is the means to that end.

What you and others in this forum are advocating is the switch from the low intensity genocidal behavior displayed by the SOI during the past 5 decades to a full blown genocide. Your widespread condemnation of the entire Palestinian population, indeed, of an entire people, is precisely the sort of justification offered by perpetrators of this type of atrocities. And the notion that the Palestinians have rejected a 2 state solution is an absurdity, for no 2 state solution in any viable form has been offered to them.

Ee ba gum -now how would anyone from Burnley know anything about the Palestinians?

the babies you are making will not be used as cannon fodder for the Zionist expansion agenda or elitist, capitalistic wars of profit! Maybe you could canvass your Israeli government to stop the ancient no win practice of "an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth." Peace, and all the best for the future.

All of you give Israel threats and what you will do. Maybe you mean what your little minds wish you could do. We all saw the mighty Hamas battle the Israelis a few weeks ago as theycalled in their woman to protect them and they ran off hiding in womans clothes. These people are a joke. We all saw hezbollah fight the Israelis also hiding in Civillian population centers.Schools,Hospitals & Neighborhoods. I thought you all told the western world your guys are the party of God. Last time I checked even Allah hates cowards. I truly don't believe he would allow cowards to get 72 virgins, Cowards don't qualify to be martyrs. Your leaders could have a future doing stand up comedy. If your going to threaten Israel then come and fight so this way Israel can help you idiots achive martyrdom and arrange the meeting for you losers

All of you give Israel threats and what you will do. Maybe you mean what your little minds wish you could do. We all saw the mighty Hamas battle the Israelis a few weeks ago as theycalled in their woman to protect them and they ran off hiding in womans clothes. These people are a joke. We all saw hezbollah fight the Israelis also hiding in Civillian population centers.Schools,Hospitals & Neighborhoods. I thought you all told the western world your guys are the party of God. Last time I checked even Allah hates cowards. I truly don't believe he would allow cowards to get 72 virgins, Cowards don't qualify to be martyrs. Your leaders could have a future doing stand up comedy. If your going to threaten Israel then come and fight so this way Israel can help you idiots achive martyrdom and arrange the meeting for you losers

It is bad enough having a racist, Bush groveling, nuclear Howard as PM causing embaressment in Australia. Howard's silence, and failure to condemn the brutal onslaught of Lebanon by Israel/IDF as well as his words of support for Israel's 'defence' against Palestinians, has, I am sure, lent support for such acts as the massacre of Beit Hanoun.

louise MUST MAKE UP HER MIND . WHAT INTERNATIONAL LAW IS SHE REFERRING TO? IF THE GAZA ARABS ARE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF ISRAEL THEN THEIR TERRORIST ACTIONS UNDER THAT LAW ARE CRIMINAL !! IF THEY ARE NOT THEN A STATE OF WAR EXISTS AND ISRAEL CAN ACT ACCORDING TO THE RULES OF WAR!!

Since the beginning of Oslo the Arabs have played the same game. You give, we take and then we demand more. If you stop giving then we attack and if you give, well we will attack when we are able too. Sounds very one-sided to me. There are people who tell us what we need to do is make deals. Just give them ten days and see what happens. Pull out of more land a see what happens. Well let us take a look at what has happened after past concessions. Has it been good? Oh, these people will say the problems come from not giving enough. Well, you know what we don't have that much to risk before being pressed against the wall. For once make these demands from the Arabs. Let them give for the sake of peace. Now we come to the real issue. Why should they take risks when, according to these people feel, we caused it. This belief is the essence of the neo-Zionists. They have re-written history to blame Israel. If we are totally to blame then the only real solution is total capitulation

So next time an idiot is running around saying 'Death to the Jews' the UK should just stay out of it then? Fair enough been friendly to Iran would at least guarantee oil supplies for us, at reasonable prices. Or should I listen to the Jewish leaders of this country, who said that the UK's fight against Hitler gave it a unique place in Jewish history? Or maybe you would rather Churchill had allowed Lord Halifax to negotiate a ceasefire with Hitler in 1939 rather than gambling on RADAR? It would have saved a whole host of British cities from having the crap bombed out of them. Personally, I think to defeat Hitler, ahd his ideology, and closing down of the camps was more important. The UK didn't do enough I agree with that, but we did a lot more than the US. Did you know members of congress (Lindenburg to name one) were meeting Hitler after 1938 praising the guy? Thought not.

How can it be retalitory if it came first and has been goin on unprovoked for a year?!?!?

being such a forthwright guy. Did you post it on that Shalom site. I bet not. all you people there are playing a double game. But I agree with what you said anyways.

There is no such thing as a moderate Palestinian.

those so-called human shields whether they're children, older women, are committing crimes too.these palestinians let their children throwing rocks at the idf???????????are they nuts???????????

The Palestinian population are not innocent. They want the Jewish State of Israel to be eliminated. All recent turn of events indicate that the Palestinians do not want a 2 State solution. One country-Arab Palestine. Jews should return to Europe. Israel has no right to exist. Period. What type of people celebrate the murder and maiming of babies by passing out sweet candy. The candy must be sweet, as in the analogy that the murder and maiming of Jewish babies is sweet. The problem is that Israel has to kiss the butts of the whole world in order to fight Iran. Geez, not too many Palestinians are stating that Ahmadinejad is wrong for threatening to destroy Israel. Never Again means Never Again. I do not need the approval of the jokers in this forum. I will look you in the eyes anytime.

The Brits certainly did bomb Desden..We repaid the nazis ten fold for what they did to Sheffield, Coventry and London. What of it? No apologies here!!That was war...Two sides armed to the teeth knocking the hell out of one another. I thank G-d everyday The British won..Fought when Europe capitulated and America sat back. I don't know about you, Ronnie..But I am alive today thanks to Britain, her fearless men and women. Shut up Ronnie..you use a false argument and pathetic parallels. Lebanon has no luftwaffer, no tank divisions, no nothing..This is a different kind of war. Stop it with the Hitler and the Churchill rubbish. Clickfool..if you believe Nazrallah is a freedom fighter, think again. they will force sharia on a country which was once the ONLY CHRISTIAN country in the ME. Islam is not without an agenda..She eyes her new caliphate. I have to be honest with you..I am a little suspicious of you Clickfool??

You want more "evil deeds" by the Jews? I got it -- how about murdering Pierre Gemayel? (Oops, that was the Syrians and their cohorts.) How about firing rockets while the UN commission is nearby? (oops, that was Hamas.) How about suicide bombing a group of poor day laborers? (Ooops - that was the Sunnis killing the Shiites again in Iraq.) But these must be Israel's fault -- isn't everything? WAIT! I GOT IT! Something really dumbass -- withdrawing from Gaza! Leaving Lebanon! Inviting Yassir Arafat to Oslo to "make peace"! Those evil Jews!

I generally agree to your acceptance of a two state solution along the Roadmap lines, but have grave doubts once you begin to describe it. You agree to a "jewish majority Israel and a muslim Islamic arab Palestine" -- but does that mean you would continue to drive out the Christians from places like Bethlehem? Do you believe an "Islamic" Palestine would ever accept Israel, without changes to fundamentalist Islamic doctrine? Not to mention accepting the presence of Jews in areas like Hebron, the second-holiest city in Judaism. Why not an "arab Muslim majority Palestine," mirroring Israel?

I served in both U.S. Combat Engineers and IDF Artillery. My mizron was stuffed weith straw, should have saved a bit for a jackass like you to eat. Simply wouldn't give you, of all people, any details. You're not worthy of it. Why in the devil would I want to give a turncoat, my yechida, mispar ishi, etc. Sullivan, you get dumber by the day. Just wondering what your next spate of lies will consist of.

There's no more time for these games. If we don't stop the violence on both sides shortly,there will be a war far worse than the one this summer.

At least be honest enough to not say that you hate recommending carpet bombing of Gaza. I dont think you hate the suggestin at all. My question to you is why do you stop with carpet bombing? Do you think this will end the qassams or end the Palestinians, which like a pesky gnat you've been irritatd by, you've just squashed. I think that is more your thinking. You've simply not admiatted it.

I am palestinian and agree with post #3. You also need to convince the zoinest extemist, I wish all the best if you try!

Acting close to your crazy settlers... "when workers at a chicken slaughtering plant threw stones at her vehicle and shouted curses when she insisted on seeing the result of Palestinian rocket fire firsthand." Why dont you throw stones at your govt for allowing this to happen and not an allied observer?

In your enthusiastic but garbled up response in "Arabenglish" you seemed to make few statements and run from your hypothesis: "...PALESTINE WITH JERUSALEM OPEN CITY AND WITH PEACE..."How and who will keep peace in an open city where Hamas,Al-Aqsa Brigade(The loosely) cannons associated loosely with Fatah whose Head is President (of nothing)Mahmoud Abbas, Islamic Jihad, PLFLP and any other gang who springs up time and again when the other terror organizations declares a Tahadiyeh. gaza was a open for Plaestinians strip with mnay cities.No sooner that settlers and IDF evacuated your Hamas,PLO,PA,Islamic Jihad started showering yourwind pipes filled with explossives the Qassmas.When IDF responds with real shells and rocketsand you suffer casulties you screamm all the way to UN (United for Nothing)Security Council and Human Right Council and demand traila of IDF for "War Crimes".Louise Arbour,the "single mother"from Ottawa,arab approval seeker,visits.She return home and accuse just IDF!

I can only imagine our friend Mark from NY is being ironic when he advocates carpet bombing Gaza and keeping the press out. Either that or, as someone directly threatened by Qassam rockets now capable of reaching Brooklyn, he is simply so filled with hate at the violence being done against him that he has lost his senses, poor dear...

What's your point? Of course I know the Americans were also involved, but I'm speaking about Britain since you are from there. And you're avoiding my question. Is Britain (and the U.S.) a terrorist state for what they did, or is that term only reserved for Israel?

Start with Beit Hanoun, empty gaza a consequence if this the way hamas wants to operate.

Israel must stop its attacks if it wants to stop the rocket atacks an interesting idea dont those idiots at hamas realise that the only reason that Israel does carry out attacks is not for fun its in retaliation for the attacks carried out by hamas and the others and to try stop the rocket attacks. If they stop the rockets and the rest of the terror then there is no need for the IDF to risk the lives of its soilders or spend money carrying out attacks against the palestians.

No, you don't really hate to say it. If you did , you would not say it. Don?t be a hypocrite and admit that you are advocating the mass murdering of thousands of innocent civilians. Go on, don?t be afraid and declare that you are on board with a ?final solution?.

Hamas is correct BUT the subject and the object of the sentence are reversed: Hamas should stop its attacks or get out of Gaza.

If I good understand in that place live Jewish poverty. Nobody like misery even Olmert avoide them. He went to meet rich American Jews and not misery which fight to survive. Leace them in peace if it goes.

"Well, I don`t know if you were around in 1944, but I sure was and I remember when your Britain, using 1,000 planes armed with incendiary bombs, bombed Dresden one night and killed 100,000 men, women and children." Ronnie - for some strange reason you seem to have forgotten that the American Army Air Force was as heavily involved in the destruction of Dresden as the RAF. Is there any reason for this?

you you youoooooo "peacenik"

i like the way you think!

Victor you misunderstood me, I like Egypt and there isn't anything wronge about Sinai. All I said is a desert. Inshallah there will be more constructions and turn Sinai to paradise so both Gazans and Egyptains enjoy the holiday there, come to Mama honey.

How arrogant is HAMAS SUGGESTION: of Hamas: Israel must stop attacks or 'empty Sderot of its residents'. More logical would be - HAMAS must stop attacks or 'empty GAZA of its residents'

The only way to stop the Qassam fire is to carpet bomb Gaza. This is war, and no country in the world would sit idly by, while another country fired rockets at it. If Israel carpet bombs Gaza after every Qassam, watch how fast the Qassams stop. Even Arabs won't be able to comprehend this much death. And keep the press out- it's the only other weapon the Arabs have.

Timothy, You write that it is "ironic" that the people labelled terrorists (only labelled? don't they target civilians?) offer a truce, while the Israelis have to think about it, and you ask "what is there to think about" when the terrorists say "we will stop trying to kill you if you stop killing us. Seems reasonable." Is there really nothing that you can see that is worth thinking about? Time and again we have been offered a "truce" only to be attacked by "different" terrorists groups who claim not to be part of the "truce", and folks like you, who are all too willing to elevate form above substance, buy the charade. Meanwhile, under the truce the terrorists reorganize and re-arm. Are you truly so convinced that this offer of a truce is for humanitarian reasons nd not tactical ones? The history of the conflict teaches that one need be wary of such offers.

Here is the answer. Dress spies from head to toe like muslem women. Infiltrate rocket launching area. Introduce enimies to allah

My vote is to empty Gaza.

regardless who does what ,in order to save innocent lives,attacks must stop immediately on both sides.Enough,is enough.

While HAMAS, navel gazes in contemplation, about whether to stop trying to kill Jews, the Palestinians continue to fire rockets into Israel, targeting Israeli civilians. Of course to you, such contemplation while killing is an admirable trait, and one that you attempt to rationalize as part of the Palestinian entitlement program to kill in the name of national aspirations. At this point I remain underwhelmed with the UN and its worthless condemnations. That and a shovel will provide the next grave diggers with the tools to bury the next casualty. Apparently though, while 'both sides' may be in violation, the only people you enjoy bashing are Jews.

Let's look at the facts. Hamas and Fatah want to destroy Israel. They are amassing weapons, they are using them against Israel..they are utilizing suicide bombers and kassam rockets. They are acting on their promise on destroying Israel. And you think Israel is the sick one? We all know that Jews and Christians are dhimmis to the the Muslim fundamentalists. They are conducting a war against western civilization. Not only is Israel in danger of this, but the rest of the world. Look at what is happening in Lebanon. Hezbollah is trying to overthrow the christian government. Want more proof? That can be easily arranged.

Sharon, wake up, Olmert is in a COMA.

Actually Dino, I receive my "news" from Newsweek, Time, as well as TV. There are also many historical books that I have read and could also arguably be biased. I see your point, but most of my logic is coming from visiting the Middle East and trying to think about what is happening now and what we can do going forward. I think we need solutions and not keep looking back. Israel is a sovereign country as chartered by the UN in 1948. The Palestinians can have their state also, but the violence must stop. It matters not what the Bible or Koran said then or how it is interpreted now, but only how people can solve a problem NOW. I hope this board will continue good dialogue and try to understand that name calling and hate will not advance their cause at all. Peace to all

Unlike the appeasers say, in fact there is a military solution to the problem. Israel has what is needed. Now, political will is needed for that. Samaria is Samaria, like Judea is Judea and Azza is Azza. It was, is and will be that way. Just action needed now.

Just kidding of course -- Outrageous terrorist threats are only acceptable if they come from the Pals. Otherwise they're "racist" and "Zionist" and bla bla bla bla....

Jacob Blues should invite you to his new forum www.shalom-salaam network. Take a look at it and who knows you may fit in. His demeanour and politeness is much different there. He actually is close to you in outlook. Check it out.

KILL EVERY HAMAS LEADER. HAMAS is at war with Israel Hamas leadership must be killed.

'Empty' Sderot (as Hamas says) or "empty' Gaza.

The Guerillas, Militants, Freedom Fighters are targetting "human Shield" ie Israelis because of the difficulties of Urban warfare(ie they cannot get close to the IDF or they will get killed in a firefight).Israel has a right to defend themselves(as long as no Arab is killed in the process) Jacob this I get the gist of your post correctly.Jelly Fish with no spine.was I unpleasant and did I use any invectives except for that "Jelly Fish"

A potential solution for this silliness is simple, but it is hard. My Palestinian Friends, you must turn on these groups who would wish to create chaos, and terror, and pull you back from greatness. You must destroy your own people who attack innocents in Israel. My Israeli Friends, you must turn on your leaders and hate-filled brethryn, who would wish to create chaos, and terror, and pull you back from greatness. You must destroy your own people who attack innocents in Palestine. Once you have ridden yourselves of these war mongers, these short-sighted, hate-filled fools who wish to do nothing than decimate your cultures through warfare and political tit-for-tat, then you can hold hands as two victorious nations, and show the rest of the world the way to peace. We will follow. If you refuse... if you still think you are better than one another and choose the path of death... then we should completely rid the area of you all, and destroy both Israel and Palestine.The End

Open your eyes ... http://www.melaniephillips.com/

If the title fits wear it. Or are you going to tell me that after a lifetime of military service in two different armies that I am 'an armchair zionist'? Just how much service have you given the US? When you put your body on the line, talk until then shut the hell up already.

I named no individual therefore it could NOT be construed as personal. However, if the cap fitted a few people................!!!!

Again is showing of his analytical skills. I am not sure but based on his affiliation would say that what he means is that the "MILITANTS" are shooting at Sderot because of the IDF being defended by the population including children (ie Human Shields)

True Blue quoted: " Daniel, if Australia was ever occupied by foreign forces claiming ownership on the basis of some 2000 year old fairytale, I hope the resistance would be at least as passionate and determined as the Palenstinians. " True Blue - Your "fairytale" comment demonstrates total ignorance about Israel and its history. Besides the written history, and the existance of the Jewish "nation" there are thousands of archaelogical sites to demontrate Israel's extremely real, ancient historic basis. About your comment about the "passionate" Palestinian resistance, it is the resistance of bloodthirsty fools and is, and will continue to be their undoing. The Palestinians would have had peace with us years ago if they had taken the olive branch instead of the katusha for their national symbol.

If you stop to think about it, all the boo-hoos from the Arab lobby and their supporters about casualties from Israeli defensive raids on Pali/Arab terrorists adds up to a pile of squat. Compare the Jewish population of Israel(5.8 million, or the entire world, for that matter [approx. 13 million]) to the world Muslim population of 1.6 BILLION, and it would appear that anything Israel does amounts to a slap on the wrist. When you stop killing Jews, you won't have to worry and complain anymore.

So far, Israel is trying to control the Qassam problem using means that did NOT work in the past. How many raids on Beit Hanun were there? Physically going in and out of certain border areas was shown not to work. Israel is still in search of a deluxe Occupation of Gaza, maintaining its hold by painless "remote control". Unfortunately, this is not easy. There are three other possibilities: 1. Increase direct Israeli control of Gaza. Troops permanently stationed in places, especially near the Philadelphi Road (which can stop smuggling). Downside: The IDF will become a target, as happened during the South Lebanon occupation. But at least the Qassams will stop. The army is supposed to protect civilians, not the other way around. 2. End the occupation of Gaza; just move out and lift the air-sea-land siege. If Gaza misbehaves, Israel does not have to sell it electricity and other necessities. Its situation will be much worse than Lebanon, and much worse than now, where as the Occupying Power Israel has to take care of humanitarian needs. Downside: It still might be crazy enough to attack. However, Gaza is small and can be re-occupied easily if this fails. Hopefully, the move will succeed. 3. Start a DIPLOMATIC process. Abbas is a partner, and Hamas is willing to maintain a cease fire during and many years after an agreement is reached. Note that Hamas will weaken considerably without military action. (Happened to PFLP.) It can be eliminated at some point. Downside: Peace will force Israel to get out of most/all the West side. Sounds fine, actually.

It is worthwhile recalling what happened to the previous hudna with Hamas, is effect since before the PA parliamentary elections until a couple of weeks before Shalit was kidnapped. Israel refrained from attacking Hamas people, but continued to hunt down and kill Islamic Jihad people in the West Bank. The Jihad responded with Qassams from Gaza. These were few occassional Qassams. At some point, Israel saw a great Hamas target, and couldn't restrain itself: It assassinated Samhadana in Gaza. This broke the hudna with Hamas. Number of Qassams increased to 30-40 each DAY, followed by full scale Israeli air operations, followed by the kidnapping of Shalit. In order for the coming hudna to work, it has to cover not only Gaza but also the West Bank. I wouldn't worry much about the small terror organization. The hudna deal should include Hamas and Fatah guaranteeing quiet, which they can impose on the small guys. It happened in pre-state Israel when Etzel started attacking the British in Feb 1944, while the WW2 was not yet resolved. The Haganah acted against them (Saison) and was successful. The majority can act.

Boy, this one never tires of misusing the term "contempt", does he? Peretz proposed a mutual cease fire which was not accpeted and even angered the PM olmert who has other ideas. Hamas entered into discussions on whether it would be observed in the WB after it became clear that Olmert was not interested. Israel has consistently broken former hudnas with the palestinians. As for UN Commissioner Arbour, she also condemned the firing of qassams into civilian areas along with her condemnation of Israel's murder of 19 civilians in Beit Hanun. Both sides are in violation. No amount of throwing around terms like "contempt" will change the facts. Israel is in violation and has been for decades.

This is an example of the kahanist lot that is so en vogue right now in Israel and the diaspora. Smug, arrogant and capable of ad hominem attacks on others but still spouting from their armchair in the diaspora. This one never served in the army and I suspect did not reside in Israel for any length of time. He is obviously frustrated by the cfact that I have Israeli citizenship and then he has the chutzpah to refer to me as a "turncoat" whatever that means in my case?

Who really cares what that actor say's. It's all the act of a turncoat.

I don't know where you get your daily news from over there, but if Fox News and CNN USA are your favourite channels, I certainly can understand your views about the Middle East con- flict. The problem with us stupid Europeans is, that we get the news from Israel/Palestine usually in a balanced, unfiltered way... Believe it or not, but it makes a big difference on your opinion what kind of pictures and news you get to see and hear from the conflict zone. To be fair, this critic I would mainly make against the 2 channels mentionned above, others like ABC, NBC or CBS are definitely a little bit more balanced, but still Israel-friendly...

In this instance it's too bad the Kassam's fire was inaccurate. A hit a bit closer might have convinced the UN that the Kassam's require severe retaliation. Better luck next time

Israel blames the Palestinians whenever the IDF engages in terrorist operations against civilians. Therefore I think the Israeli government is responsible for Qassam attacks against Israel.

OK, those people in the US who claim that every massacre and death in Palestine is the fault of the people of Palestine are now squealing like stuck pigs because a man has been injured. 530 people have been slaughtered by Israel since September last year when they supposedly pulled out. Over 15,000 shells and 550 air raids have been conducted by the IDF and still the whining about Qassams which are not much more than a nuisance. Some seem to think that Israel is the only place on earth to ever be targetted by a rocket - they should look at Iraq and stop whining. God - this orchestrated blame the victim routine is really tedious and the sick joke it is coming from the US and Canada in an orchestrated campaign which the Guardian exposed today. Even here in Australia we have this crap - only the last time it was exposed that just one man made all the complaints about bias by the media. He is a former Mossad bloke living here. It is a sickness in Israel.

When it blasted the UN commission on human rights in its editorial today. Maybe there just might be a shred of truth to that 'imbalance issue'. when it comes to the UN.

Sure, Israel must act proportionately. But looking purely at statistics can be rather misleading. Sure, 400 Palestinians have died recently, as opposed to only 10 or so Jews in the same time period. But chew on this: if you're walking down the street alone, and a group of 5 guys tries to mug you, is it your fault if you happen to know a martial art and kick all of there arses? Now, this says little for whose fault the whole ordeal is, but just becuase Israel has a much better Self Defense force does not mean they are at fault. If you chose to see stats, you'll see a higher percentage of the israelis are civilians, where as a higher percentage of the Pals are militants. And that's fact.

While screaming about Israeli lack of regard for human life, he decidedly ignores the sentence which points out that the cease fire proposal was an Israeli one. And while whining about Olmert, he leaves out the part where HAMAS needs to have further consultations about whether or not to end the violence in the West Bank. But hey, that's just part of their 'rejectionist' charm, to him.

They are weapons of war, targeting Israeli civilians. They are a guerrilla weapon, used by Palestinian combatants, who plan, train, and execute attacks in and around civilian areas. This has been their strategy for a long time. Urban guerrilla warfare is difficult. But the Palestinians decision to wage war in this manner places the onus on them, not the Israelis, who have a legitimate right to protect themselves from such violence.

Are you an expert on International law? Where did you earn your law degree? Oh, you don't have one? Well then, I guess it is only your opinion then.

Sderot already has thousands of children in the town. In fact, that's what the Palestinian militants have been targeting in terms of locations and timing (school pickup and dropoff times, etc.) Think about it, for the past six years, Israeli civilians, including children, and hell babies, who were even visible to the suicide bombers in the restaurants and on the busses, were blown up without a moment's thought. And yet, during this war, no one in the world had a problem with the deaths of Israeli 'human shields'. Hell, they were considered, 'legitimate' targets.

The terrorists are looking at Israel as a western civilization. They do not want Israel in the middle east. They want to establish sharia all over the world. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6331994107023396223

http://christianactionforisrael.org/antiholo/ml_king.html "And what is anti-Zionist? It is the denial to the Jewish people of a fundamental right that we justly claim for the people of Africa and freely accord all other nations of the Globe. It is discrimination against Jews, my friend, because they are Jews. In short, it is antisemitism. "The antisemite rejoices at any opportunity to vent his malice. The times have made it unpopular, in the West, to proclaim openly a hatred of the Jews. This being the case, the antisemite must constantly seek new forms and forums for his poison. How he must revel in the new masquerade! He does not hate the Jews, he is just 'anti-Zionist'!

Terrorist call for ceasefires in order to rearm and restrategize. They are interested in the total destruction of Israel.

Israel "has a responsibility to defend its citizens, but has to do so only by legal means," Arbour said. "It has to do so in line with inter- national law, including international humanitarian law, but it has a primary responsibility to protect people who are under its authorities." Louise Arbour Thank you, Louise Arbour. The world fully embraces your position. And its people will be out n the streets in the coming week to en- dorse this path too. Not the blood thirsty residents of Sderot their war criminals in the Israeli Army and IAF. Dutch

Unguided rockets are illegal, but guided ones are OK according to the UN high commissioner? I hope a guided one finds its way up her tuches!

I did not understand your question about who would live in desert ? But let me inform you alot of people do like saudis , Chadians , Bedouins and more plus some deserts are blessed by mineral and natural resources . Sinai is very rich with minerals and oil that Israel discovered during 1970s. Israel showed that desert could be a place to live while they were in Gaza too bad palistians are only good in one thing and that is kill murder and violance . Regards Victor

"But Louise Arbour doesnt know what she is talking about, according to gee. But he knows." Yup, because I have read the damn Charter I do know what it says. I have also read the GC and guess what it says the same thing. Care to refute it? Of course not because you can't. You rant and call names but never ever refute a single statement. Prove me wrong I dare you.

a. I am a Jew b. Israel is the Goliath Sometimes you need to take a step back, to see what is happening

Another Qassam rocket fired into Israel from Gaza with the intention of killing Israeli children. And this less than one week after the sham UN General Assembly resolution expressing condemning Israel over the unfortunate Beit Hanon incident. Why no General Assembly reslolution against Hamas - the government in power - for doing NOTHING to stop such acts of "collective punishment"? Will we see one? If not, why the double standard? It seems in the eyes of the UN it's perfectly fine to kill innocent Israeli children but when Palestinian children are killed, even by accident, condemning Israel is in order. Palestinian terrorists continue to fire Qassams because they know they won't be called on it - they depend on this UN double standard. That's chutzpah (ie audacity)for you! But if the UN practices double standards, why not take advantage of it? Meanwhile, the Qassams continue and so will Israeli responses. Nothing will be solved by this except the killing of innocent children.

Israel "has a responsibility to defend its citizens, but has to do so only by legal means," Arbour said. What about terrorist Hamas? Lots of law they follow!!! The IDF should be unleashed in Gaza and finish this problem once and for all!

The only reason the terrorists want a ceasefire is so they look like good people to the UN commissioner Louise Arbour. I bet they wouldn't have launched those Qassams in the area that they did if they knew she was in that area.

Bravo Alberto, You have outlined very well the recipe for peace: 1) stop the Qassam attacks on Israel 2) re-educate your children to stop hating 3) get down to the difficult job of creating a viable state

But Louise Arbour doesnt know what she is talking about, according to gee. But he knows. Gee, gee makes it clear once again that it is the whole world that is always wrong, always misinterpreting, always showing imbalance and Israel and only Israel is always right. How dare anyone think differently! How can Louise Arbour not see the truth, asks gee?

I am a recent reader of Haaretz and have made some objective observations and musings on the talkback responses. It seems there are a couple of professional "fools" who constantly blame Israel. There are also their counterpart on the Israeli side. It always seems the anti crowd is from Europe where they have their own basket of problems. Sounds like ignorance at best and anti-semitism at the worst. A few moderate Muslims have made great comments and we need more. We need solutions people. I challenge everyone to think about this: You know if the terror groups of the Paletinians would stop their violence for one week that there would be no more violence on the Israeli side. They of course would have to stop the smuggling of arms and start educating their children AND just maybe a miracle could happen. Peace to all.

They guy is almost dead, but the left-wing arab-appeasing Haaretz downgrades it to a 'wound'.

every other day I read that israel killed a top hamas militant. You would think they would have run out of top hamas military leaders by know. Maybe its a lie to make the IOF feel like they are striking top leaders of the Militant hamas and getting things done. When in reality it takes time to create leaders and there is no way they could be replacing them at that pace. But I guess Top hamas leader killed sounds better than average 20 year old palestinian fighting the occupation forces.

If she had actually read the Charter she would find that Palestinians' actions are in direct violation of the UN Charter and that Israel could use any and all force to end the attacks. That is what the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention both state. But she is not intelligent enough to read those documents. The hypocracy that the Arabs have unlimited rights to attack us, and we have zero rights to stop them. Guess what ALL international laws state just the opposite.

Your name is being considered for membership on a blog called www.shalom-salaam network. It is most likely Peace Now affiliated and would probably be more to your liking. Check it out. They are canvassing all Haaretz posters and you are close to their philosophy anyways

According to the general logic of UN, we will soon see a few tenths millions dollars for the palestinians to improve the accuracy of their quassam with the humanitarian goal of not harming civilians. Of course, this humanitarian UN action will have some built in problems as the poor and oppressed palestinians consider that every Israeli is a combatant

As any half-educated person knows, statistics only tell half the story. Tell us Mr. Skog, what did hamas et al hope to achieve by constantly rocketing Sderot following Israeli withdrawl from Azza? Do you not think that perhaps they knew full well that their tactics of shooting from amongst civilians would bring on huge loss of life? This is the usual Arab tactic: provoke Israel into retalliation, & then go crying to the world when there is colateral damage. Surely you can understand this? Even Johnny-no-mates could predict that people will get hurt the moment one starts firing rockets....

In 1770, Englishman Captain James Cook charted the Australian east coast in his ship HM Bark Endeavour. Cook claimed the east coast under instruction from King George III of England on 22 August 1770 at Possession Island, naming eastern Australia 'New South Wales'. Of course in the name of "Church and Flag" or some bs like that. Wasn't a 2000 year old myth, but still would you be kind enough to leave now.

Olmert ceertainly shows no interest in calling for a mutual cease fire. Then he would possibly have to negotiate with a group that does not offer him the recognition he wants. Principle is more important than human life for this bureaucrat. With this killing in Beit hanun and the retaliation in Sderot, is Israel closer to getting its soldier back? The young man's own father admits they are using him as a pawn? Is it bringing more security to the residents of Sderot? What is it doing? Stopping the qassams? No. It is only intentionally fueling the desire for revenge. And in turn Olmert and the pack get off on the enjoyment they feel in inflicting pain and suffering on not a town, but a whole population. And these apologists for this criminal behaviour allege the Palestinians have no regard for human life!

You talk about Israel being a "terrorist state" because some innocent people get killed or injured during operations against terrorists. Well, I don't know if you were around in 1944, but I sure was and I remember when your Britain, using 1,000 planes armed with incendiary bombs, bombed Dresden one night and killed 100,000 men, women and children. Yeah, that's right, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND! And they were not "collateral damage". They were actually targeted. If Israel, as you say, is a "terrorist state" for accidently killing a relatively few Palestinians compared to what Britain did, then you would have to agree that Britain must be one of the greatest terrorist states of all time, and your Winston Churchill a number one war criminal.

You will never be like Melani Philip.

Who would live in a desert?

Moderates in the Palestinian territories and friends of the Palestinians, should pressure the Palestinian leadership to stop all forms of violence and this hopefully will encourage the moderates both inside and outside the israeli government to bring pressure on the israeli leaders to do the same.

I agree...and I really like Melanie Philips and her writing...she is one of the few that has the guts to say the truth.

Daniel, if Australia was ever occupied by foreign forces claiming ownership on the basis of some 2000 year old fairytale, I hope the resistance would be at least as passionate and determined as the Palenstinians.

Statistics quite plainly demonstrate that it is Israel and its military that are the terrorists in Gaza. Since Israel withdrew its settlers and army from Gaza, Israeli troops have killed about 400 Palestinians, roughly half of them civilians. In contrast, three Israeli soldiers have been killed and a woman in Sderot has died in a rocket strike. Any fool can do the math here -- Israel is committing gross violence against civilians on a daily basis to obtain its political objectives, which makes it no different than al Qaida or any alleged "terrorist group"

The warnings have been ongoing at least since the lynching of the 2 soldiers (in 2000) and the Israeli warning that the police station that was the site of the lynching would be destroyed. Does your side send warnings about suicide bombers or Qassems.? When was the last attack by your side aborted because of civillian casualties? Israel has done it twice in the last week.Remember the women falsely using the white flag. Hamas "ticking bombs" are targetted they know it,you know it,yet they live and fight from amongst civillians.

Yet again no answer to any questions. I think that proves my point. There is another response in the pipeline but this may have been censored as being too rough on you. Now concentrate really hard. Read #74 again. Answer accusation. In other words "put up or shut up".

Bomb Gaza with all sorts of bombs for 1 year 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even on Yom Kippor. This will bring peace between Gaza and Israel. May G-d listen to me and make this the policy of the Jewish state. May the Nation of Israel live in security. May all people live in security. What is a person? People that fight against terror. They have Gaza, it was Gaza first not Gaza last, and all they do is terror and more terror. Enough is Enough.

I tried replying to your posts, manny b., and you accused me of seizing another opportunity to see my name on Talkback. Now - what do you want me to do, ignore your posts or reply to them? You're a pretty confused man.

These six innocent, and now dead, Palestinians were just walking by, minding their own business, when the Israelis decided to rocket a car. The Israelis don't give a tuppenny toss for the lives of ordinary Palestinians caught up in their acts of murder. These are the acts of a terrorist state.

Dear Marilyn, You live in the comfort of a blessed nation, with no real "border" except for the beach and no enemies at least within continental Australia. Here in Israel the borders are very real and very close to each other. You are blessed that you have no local militia or armed terrorists that you have to deal with. This Israel regretfully has to deal with on a daily basis. Why are they terrorists? Because, from deep within the belly of their population centers, these inhumane people build their arm factories, recruit suicide bombers & send rockets into Israel. They cry foul whenever their civilians are hit, but break the rules of any legitimate armed force, whose role is to PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE, not to cower amongst them and cynically use them. Moreover, the Palestinian "government" of today / yesterday have never stopped it. THIS IS THEIR CHOICE! Israel MUST protect the people of Sderot. It is her duty. Casualties of Palestinian Innocents - Regretful but unavoidable.

Pretty dumb post. Islamofascists are just as the name implies. Facsists who feel justified in murdering anyone who doesn't completely share their religious beliefs. This includes Christians by the way. The are a threat to the stability of the entire world. The vast majority of the actions of the IDF are decided mostly by Jews who for the most part do not see the Torah as their guide.

"Please do something original and striking so that I can have new material. I find that I am repeating myself over and over and becoming boring." We've always thought that you were boring to start with. We need a cheerleading for terrorist like we need a Qassam rocket. Wake up stupid we have an entire United Nations that is as moronic and boring as you already. Go away.

Nicole,have you read "Londonistan" by Melanie Phillips ? It took her 5 yrs to get a publisher ( finally found one in USA) . She went from award winning journalist to a virtual outcast amongst her leftist peers after revealing the truths about London and radical Islam. I just started reading it but already am in shock. I thought I was pretty well informed, but what she brings to light in this book is HAIR RAISING. I knew things were bad but.....you need to read this book to see how much worse they really are. We are TRULY LIVING IN AN INFORMATION BLACKOUT vis-a-vis radical Islam.

It will all be OK. Just calm down a bit. Perhaps some warm milk and a valium?

Why did that zionist oppressor of a Jewish factory worker in Sderot fire his head at that harmless Palestinian rocket. These Jews will stop at nothing. I think we need to take him to the ICJ and charge him with obstruction of Palestinian toy rockets. (all sarcasm intended)

I know many fine jews who have made Aliya from Australia and it is you who bring shame to your country with your venemous bile. I am here making babies and supporting Israel while you sit at a computer and rant. Are you friends with Mel Gibson by any chance? Birds of a feather...

I remember those times well; also during Rabin's era, going into Jericho & other parts of Area A in Judea & Samaria. Really good cuisine, freedom of movement, plenty of investment etc. I am sorry to see it all go up in smoke, but UTTERLY refute the claim by many a lefty that we in the West are somehow to blame for all this. Who supplies the terrorists with cash to buy the weapons? Send 'em food from EU surplus by all means, but a curse on those that would raise money for these people.

Please do something original and striking so that I can have new material. I find that I am repeating myself over and over and becoming boring. This is a serious request. It's my livelihood at stake. If I stop writing I stop getting paid!

Because the world is full of anti semites who would like nothing better than to see the destruction of Israel and the Jews pushed into the see. Its up to us to stand alone like we always have and ensure that our beloved country and people are safe from our enemies.

...according to his posts, the whole (Talkback) world is filled with anti-Semites... Don't worry, David, we are not all after you...

Picture this senario....Palestinians stop all terror activities.There is peace and quite along the border.Israel opens all crossings and workers are able to cross over for work in Israel.The airport in Gaza is opened and tourism is possible.The harbour is open and fishing is permitted.The Palestinians recognize Israel and peace initiatives are underway.The IDF no longer has a need to retaliate for terror acts.There are no deaths on either side. How does this picture look to you?.That was the situation just a few years ago.Do you really believe that the IDF attacks 'por innocent Palestinians' because they have nothing better to do.Please be realistic and face the truth.

I am surprised that Israel seems incapabel of stopping these rockets Qassams, katusyas, same surprised this summer during the Lebanon border war. I thought the israelis had all the latest high tech defense systems, should easily stop these attacks. whatever happened to the patroit anti-rockets system?

Hamas by their own admission controll Qassems their act of WAR against Israel and its civillians. That makes them legitimate targets who know very well they are being targetted.They hide amongst civillians and sometimes drive with their chidren in their cars. When a military target is protected by civillian human shields the human shields become targets.

This was what I said two days ago. You dodged the question in your normal way and answered with pointless drivel. How about answering the real question. "Since you apparently accepted the term work as a compliment accept this also - you have never taken an even sided view of the Israel/Palestine/Hezbullah/Syrian/Iran problem with Israel being blamed for all the problems of the world and quite possibly the universe. It`s about time you took an even sided look at what is happening. If the Qassams killed more Jews rejoicing would be great by the Moslem extremists and there would be no apologies from Hamas or other terrorist organizations for the deaths of civilians, adult or children. You now have another chance to see your name in print by answering this accusation."

Do Christians in Egypt today have equal rights ? Has the govt in Egypt become more radical now that the radical Islamists are becoming more and more emboldened in the rest of the world? And finally, what do you think about the marches in Toronto during the Israeli/Lebanon war supporting Lebanon and Hezbollah ? Thanks Victor. Your reply to me was informative. I'm not too familiar with the Copts.

...and how much does "parasite" Absolute Sweden pay for treatment in his welfare-state ??

David Teich, the IDF killed the family on the beach, no question. Let us not forget that the IDF said they didn't use cluster bombs, yet now they state they did and did it deliberately. They said they didn't use phosphorous on civilian areas but I have seen the film where they did it in Aitaroun.

John, 15 people killed by Qassams is a tragedy simply because no person should have their life snuffed out in this way - but that is over the last 7 years. 82 people were slaughtered in a massacre in 6 days in Beit Hanoun with 18 of them in 10 minutes of bombing. What do you people think the Qassams might be? Do you think the Palestinians might not like being walled in like bugs, denied water, food and medical care?

Yep, the Australian media reported that one of the passersby was a one year old baby. Was he about to throw a molotov cocktail maybe? Or was he slaughtered like so many others in Gaza by soldiers with no boundaries.

...in the foot. Hopefully seeing this first hand may have opened Arbour's eyes a little. However, as a UN employee, the effects probably won't last long. Still, the fact that a UN rep has described as 'illegal' is (a very small) step in the right direction. The Islamofaschist goons of Judea Samaria & Azza (as it says in any regular atlas) continue to miss an opportunity; even Johnny-no-mates Abbas, that pillar of liberalism, has demanded they stop their terror rocket attacks & cease fire. Sympathies for our friends in Sderot.

For years now the IDF and Israeli government have claimed that the Palestinian civilians were slaughtered because the evil Palestinians used them as human shields. How amazing it was to watch the women in action protecting their people willingly and clambering into danger to do it. Brave, incredible women who the IDF shot down like dogs even though they had no weapons. This Peter SM is murder in Australia and should be murder in Gaza. But then Peter lives in a part of the land where gangland murders are pretty common. The latest Amnesty report into the Lebanon invasion shows clearly that not one case of militants hiding among civilians was ever found. In fact it is Israel who had to be taken to court to stop them using the Palestinians as human shields. Now Peter, it is time your ignorance stopped embarrassing Australia.

Judea Samaria: Censusses at the beginning of the 20th cent. show more than 20 countries of origin and more than 50 mother tongues for the non-Jewish population of Palestine! Besides a Sunni Arab core, most Palestinians are, like the Jews, newcomers to Palestine. To pretend to be "Palestinians" they have to deny their genuine ancestors (Bosniaks, Egyptians, Turkmens, Libyans, Hauranese, Sudanese, Afghans etc.) whose late arrival in Palestine is richly attested. Seen your clear anumus, I save myself the pain of providing footnotes.

I am rapidly running out of material. I seem to have used the same jokes, same threats and insults a million times. I wish you would do something more evil than usual so that I could have something new to say. My livelihood depends on it. Please don't treat it lightly.

The Israeli David has been defending itself in a 58 year war declared by the Goliath Arab League. He speaks about S Africa without mentioning that Israeli citizens, regardless of religion have equal rights, while the Arab world doesn't do the same and the Pals demand another ethnic cleansing of Jews. Ghandi's non-violence was supplemented by other Hindus and Muslims who blew up British railways and otherwise attacked government structures. The problem is there's no movement close to Ghandi's in the Arab world. Ben talks against spewing hate while propagating hate filled lies. That's hypocrisy. When directly only against Israel, it's antisemitism.

& filled the streets. Would the Genteel Palestinians NOT fire Kassamim in order not to harm INNOCENT CIVILIANS. NO you can bet your BLOODY life they would continue but only after stocking up on plenty of sweeties to distribute whilst "dancing in the streets" along with their blind, ignorant & Hate Filled supporters on this site! GFY's

We'd see if Ms.Arbour would from her hospital bed still condemn "intolerable Israeli violations" as she did while visiting Gaza. On the other hand,she is not worth expenses Israel would have to incur treating her in the hospital. Enough with pal parasites being treated for free.

He's never provided proof that the explosion on the beach was the IDF shelling, yet repeatedly states it must have been. Facts published by the IDF show it was most likely not. Notice the difference? The IDF says it's probably not, and offers two other potential explanation that fit the facts: Hamas beach mining and old ordnance (either Israeli or ARab) that exploded. I personally believe the last, as there have been so many wars here and Arabs have previously died playing with old bombs, but admit there's no proof. JB, of course, needs no proof to charge that his beliefs, backed by hate and ignorance, must be accepted as the truth.

EHUD is the worst prime minister Israel has ever had. His leadership is a nightmare.

The indigenous people of AZZA were the Hebrews & then the Egyptians till 67. Get some EDGUKASHUN!!!

Islamofascist - It implies that the average Muslim is under the control of a political movement that does not allow its followers FREEDOM. Those in charge ( the radical clerics, imams, ayatollahs etc,) DICTATE THE LIFE OF THE MUSLIMS UNDER THEIR CONTROL. They use 7th century brutality to get their point across to any " backsliders ". You are born a Muslim and you will die as one (ABSOLUTE COMPULSION).Apostasy is met with a death penalty in many cases. Benito Mussolini is probably rolling over in his grave. This is EXTREME FASCISM, nothing at all like the fascism he implemented.

"When Israel retaliated and hit that specific group - Hamas said the Hudna was breached and thus cancelled." Hit that specific group???? William, they "hit" a family who were out for a day at the beach. Killed them dead, William. BANG. That's why Hamas cancelled their Hudna. Are you really so ignorant, or do you deliberately misrepresent and hope no-one notices?

Part of the Jews have lived in Israel without interruption over 3000 years. First Arabs came after Muhammad as conquerors (to take other people's lands, id est: Jewish land), they were not welcome and nothing makes Israel an Arab land. Most of the so called Palestinians came along the Jewish run economic and social development in early 1900's fro msurrounding areas now known as Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt. You are allowed to stay but never claim Israeli soil. As simple as that. Sami: learn the history.

Nope I am not Moslem ,I am Christian ,there is more than 10 million Christians in Egypt almost all of them are the Copts after all they are the descendants of Pharos ,see Islam came to Egypt only around 700eds AD with the conquering of all the lands of Middle East by the Arab armies from Saudi Arabia. Regards Victor

they want to kill jews, they don't care combatant or not combatant, civilian or military, child or adult, man or woman, so if they don't care (and they have widely showed it), then why should we?, why ALL the pressure lies in Israel? 10 days cease fire and if they don't then we destroy GAZA!

JERUSALEM, Nov. 20 — An Israeli advocacy group, using maps and figures leaked from inside the government, says that 39 percent of the land held by Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is privately owned by Palestinians. Rina Castelnuovo for The New York Times About 86 percent of Maale Adumim, an Israeli settlement, sits on privately held Palestinian property, according to government data. More P Settlements on Privately-Owned Palestinian Land Israel has long asserted that it fully respects Palestinian private property in the West Bank and only takes land there legally or, for security reasons, temporarily. If big sections of those settlements are indeed privately held Palestinian land, that is bound to create embarrassment for Israel and further complicate the already distant prospect of a negotiated peace.

The government of Israel fights the terror organisation Hamas that kills some Israeli civilians by killing many Arab civilians. There is no moral difference between the two; there is only a difference in the number of victims.

Enouph is enouph! Only military solution to Qassams. IDF has all capacities to stop terror from Gaza but only our Government must stop a feeding our public with illusions. Concrete plan for the solution of the conflict has to be declared - NO PALESTINIAN STATE - only self-governing PalAreas with a possible complete fusion with Israel after 50-100 years!

This was a typo by Haaretz. The six were wounded, not killed.

The vitriol, spewing forth from those who harbor nothing but hate is disgusting and depressing. In devaluing Palestinian lives, you degrade yourselves and your humanity. Israel does not, indeed has never, acted proprtionately, as any comparison of Israeli and Palestinian dealth tolls makes clear. Israel chooses to operate an apartheid state within its own borders, a system condemned by the world in South Africa. In Israel's case, the world sanctions those same injustices simply by choosing not to act. The Palestinians need to find ways to act on world opinion, to make it impossible for Israel to go unpunished for its continued abuses (the Geneva Convention means nothing to Israel). The philosophy of non-violence espoused by Gandhi and followed by Martin Luther King were sufficient to defeat a great empire, and to force the hand of the United States To succeeded through peaceful means is difficult, costly and takes huge sacrifice. It is not fair, but sometimes it is the only way to defeat a giant. It takes great braverly to face a gun with nothing in your own hand, this week the Palestinians have shown great courage, they are making it harder for the world to turn away. David defeated Goliath, perhaps shaming Israel through non-violent resistance is their way of stopping the Israeli giant.

Sami, Israel will probably not compromise some land issues that they need to maintain for thier security, although I am sure they are willing to give a vast majority of it up. That being noted, is the destruction of your society caused by you trying to free ALL of your land worth all the destruction and mayhem in your cities? Don't you think you ought to compromise on your side a bit too for the sake of peace and security for the Palestinians? Or are you stubborn to the very last Palestinian you are willing to offer up to have ALL the Land. Is it really worth it?

... of these regular launches of Qassam rockets, that are just as many provocations to which Israel will reply. Israel will be wrong to reply, but then these rocket launches are just as wrong. One innocent woman was killed in Sderot a few days ago, this guy is seriously hurt. Aren't those lives just as respectable as those lives of the innocents in Beit Hanun? Of course, they are. Therefore, denouncing one should automatically lead to denunciation of the other. All this is pointless, counterproductive, and in the end it will only produce destruction and grief. Why will some Palestinian extremists keep harrassing Israel this way, if not for the pure sake of provocation?

I agree and support your call but honestly how many pals support your call? Maybe you should work harder to convince your brethren that is the only way to peace. Enough is enough and no more killing from both sides.

I wonder what the equivalent is for the Israelis? Hebrobutchers?

They know they are being targetted. They are as vile as their apologists.

Judea and Samaria, huh? Always use Biblical references, to give Israel's extremely dodgy claim to original ownership some sort of gloss of credibility.....

Victor, so far I have agreed with your posts vis-a-vis the ME. A lot of the people on this forum ( many Jews among them ) DO NOT UNDERSTAND the mentality of the radicals. They think that if Israel would just.... make a new agreement, bend over backwards better, Pals get a new leader etc etc ... then there will be peace. You know better. Maybe you can get through to some of these dreamers who are gonna end up with a rocket on their head if they don't let their military do its job. Good luck to you Victor. Also I have a question. Are you Muslim, and if so ,are you as a Canadian Muslim not allowed to own a dog as a pet, as the other Muslims in the ME cannot ? Thanks Victor.

The scary part is next elections aren't until 2010.

"Meanwhile, an Israeli aircraft hit a car on Monday in which two Hamas activists were traveling in the Sajaiyeh section of Gaza City. The two, senior activists in the Hamas military wing, Abdel Khader Habib and Basel Obeid, were killed. Six passersby were also killed in the attack. " Meanwhile, six innocent Palestinian passersby were butchered by the goons of Israel.

I agree with you. This is what all of us want to see: two states with Jerusalem as the capital of the both. I believe, that the real problem is that the Palestinians cannot establish normally functioning society, where there is one armed force and one foreign policy. You cannot have both peace and war. Israeli-Fatah peace and Israeli-Hamas war at once. There can only be Israeli-Palestinian peace or Israeli-Palestinian war. I believe, that the worst enemy of the Palestinians is their failure to establish normally functioning society. I believe, that national solidarity and national responsibility is what makes group of people nation. And if this is correct, the Palestinians are still not a nation, but group of people.

Jews have lived here for over 2000 years, and Israel was created with a UN decision. So yes, we do have the right to exist here. You could have had your Palestine then, but you tried to steal Israel from us. You're still trying. Soon we will have a weapon that will shoot down Qassams in flight. So, the cycle of violence will continue, unless more people agree to coexist. Personally, I would like it if we could coexist, as Moderate Palestinian suggested.

Never underestimate the power of denial. The whole state of Israel, is in an absolute state of denial. Only when people wake up from this denial, they will realize the truth. In simple words, this is not your land, which has been for Palestinians for many generations, and just by physically pushing them out, doesn't make it yours. 'Thou Shall Not Steal' - this also includes Palestinian land. There will only be peace, if what's taken is returned to its rightful owners. Peace to All. But until then, more power to the Qassam's, and modified versions thereafter.

You're right - power never stays one-sided forever. I remember in 1999, when the Pals had a lot of power. They drove in and out of Israel all of the time, their economy was booming (to the point of being one of the top 10 fastest growing in the world), a two-state solution was so close you could taste it, and average Palestinians were relaxed and happy. ...then the Intifada started, and it all went to hell. Today, Pals have NO power. All of it gone because of the falicy of one man to destroy Israel - not unlike Hamas and yourself. But since Israel was born with the world agreement, and had no US support prior to 1967, it has learned how to live on its own, by being adaptive. #3 Moderate Palestinian has great ideas - you have wishful thinking. Can you guess which will create the better future?

Omar, Israel tried using new technology call DIME which attempted to minimize collateral damage but received a bad rap for it. It is a whole lot easier going back to the old technology and blame the passersbys.

I grew in Middle East and yes there is a lot of people who are peaceful and smart but in that part of the world a thug or a murderer who promises conquering Israel and all the Middle East gets the power to lead the country and those who talk about peace and co-existence with other people and Jews are seen as weak and traitor to the goal of Islamisation of the world Saddat the military hero of Egypt ( got Saina back from Israel while others failed ) but because he recognized the need and rightousness of Israels existence in their historic Jewish lands , he was murdered by Islamic fascists. So I am not that hopeful unless world and UN forces those palistians to stop all violence and force them to apply at least one or two steps of many of many steps of Oslo peace plan that they ignored miserably. Regards Victor

You look back on history and see how many times this very "hudna" was offered and how it was breached. Fact: Hamas offered and held a Hudna with Israel, while Islamic Jihad, PRC, and Fatah all attacked Israel. When Israel retaliated and hit that specific group - Hamas said the Hudna was breached and thus cancelled. It was a convoluted agreement that allowed attacks to happen while the appearance of peace and negotiations continued. Arafat used this tactic many times - and Hamas tries to use it today. Let Hamas (and ALL terror groups) speak like Moderate Palestinian - and not just ask for a Hudna, but also stop the re-arming of themselves. Then it will be a hudna of real value. Until then, it's just endless words blown into the wind.

Note that PRC is notably missing from the list of players. Since they are the primary group that is launching Qassam, I don't see that anything has really changed. Furthermore, one has to wonder if the targeted assasinations and destruction of machine shops that manufacture Qassams or the Egyptian capture of 4 tons of weapons and explosives have had a major impact on their ability get weapons into Gaza. Maybe they need more time to regroup, re-arm, and get ready for the next series of attacks. If they want credibility, I would suggest releasing Shalit and then get back to the table after meeting international demands to recognize Israel and renounce terror. Should they ever actually do that they would be surprised at all the EU countries etc. that would be falling all over themselves dumping millions of dollars into PAL to try to jump start their economy and industry. But the destruction of Israel and deaths of Israeli comes before all else for the terrorist groups.

Hi Alex, In response to my post you ask, "Imagine that after the D-Day, when the Allies already landed the Germans wanted a cease fire to regroup. Would you in retrospect suggest to Roosevelt and Churchill to accept it ..." In essence, you point out the risk of letting an undefeated enemy rest. In the scenario you pose, a truce might have cost more lives. The scenario Israel faces is different. The problem cannot be solved with bombs and bullets. If it could, we would have peace by now because militarily Israel defeated the Palestinians long ago. But Israel is not fighting an opposing army but a people's desire for independence, freedom, and dignity. Things we all cherish. Things people willingly die for. To defeat such aspirations, Israel will have to become the very Evil the U.S. defeated in WWII. Israel is already down the path. A truce may give the Pals a chance to regroup. It may also give Israel a chance to re-think what it is she is fighting for and against.

Let me see hamas will stop for a while launching missiles to Israel to score some cheap points with Israeli left and the rest of blind palistian terroristsssss admirersss . But missiles will continue raining on Israelis by the other gangs ( fatah , jihad ,pa ?.) so at the end still bombs will be aimed to Israeli civilians to maim or kill them. Again a word or promise coming from palistians worth NOTHING ,they are the worlds most violent and treacherous civilians ever . Regards Victor

We tried to help in Iraq so where did we fail? The third World War has begun and the new tyrant is the Islamofascist. Freedom and Democracy are being threatended so get ready to lock & load.

Have you ever noticed that whenever there are large numbers of Hamas terrorists killed in IAF strikes, Hamas becomes interested in a "cease-fire", as if their piss-ant rockets have anything to do with it. I say, the IDF/IAF should continue to pound Hamas et al into the ground until the rocket fire ceases, period. The fact that Hamas is, once again, interested in a cease-fire, shows that once again, the targeted killings are WORKING. Keep it up IDF. When the Qassam attacks stop, THEN the targeted killings will stop. In THAT order. When did the Palestinians start to believe they had any negotiating power? They have been on the losing end of this battle for years. Finish this once and for all, Israel.

I'd like to see that. No Palestinian leader has ever been able to control the gangs. Not even Arafat. Let's see if Palestinians can submit themselves to a central control or not use a ceasefire to smuggle more arms.

stop stupidity and learn that power never stays on one side forever, your time is ALMOST OVER.so stop acting stupid and thinking you can control events forever. you know it before me if it was not for the fonicator us you won't be around a long time ago, and i won't be out that long. but times change, stupid

AMEN to what you say. We need more people like you around.

"The two, senior activists in the Hamas military wing, Abdel Khader Habib and Basel Obeid, were killed. Six passersby were also killed in the attack. " Six passersby happened to die, and see how Avi just throws that in their as the last sentence of the article without any show of consideration for the loss of the lives of these "gentiles".

At first Israel wanted an excuse to weaken Hamas as much as possible, so it allowed(yes the sophistication of the Sayerat Maktal can stop it at will) qassams to be launched from Gaza and did nothing to block them from hitting the Sderot hood in order to recieve a justification for the assault on Gaza. Now that the billionaire tycoon is buying his way into Israel parliament to avoid being sent to prison as well by paying for Sderot's evacuation, Olmert decides to stop the evacuation by stoping the assault on Gaza therefore stopping Qassams. Wild fetch? Its better than the crap Olmert washes us with.

You are wrong. It is West Bank, better known as Cisjordania in spain. Before the jewish communities in Palestine, there were the filistins. That's why, that land is know in all around the world as Palestine. I know that you are kiding and that you are not interesting in discussing in and academic way, but at least, let me tell you that it is really sad to realize that you know the atrocities your army does in palestinian territories, and you support that. Anyway!

may not dictate the agreement. Israel has the upper hand. Israel dictates. If Israel wants to keep Jerusalem, so be it. The arabs killed Jews 100 years ago, way before the state of Israel and now may not call the shots. The Jews are strong. Feel lucky that Israel does not demand parts of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Be happy with what you have. If you are not happy, then you will be sad forever. History happened. You lost. Move on. End of story.

I have often felt uncomfortable, as a woman, in the presence of my peers, when they place a title in front of their names to make up for the absence of that which was taken from them, in both length and and breadth, under the time and knife of their Bris. Do you think you are impressive, Doctor Allen? Not at all: you are only exhibiting your sentimental and languid longing for your missing bits and pieces.

Imagine that after the D-Day, when the Allies already landed the Germans wanted a cease fire to regroup. Would you in retrospect suggest to Roosevelt and Churchill to accept it -- saying "Who is now the real aggressor?" Hamas is in much worse shape than they would let know (there is no free press in Pallywood).